Foodista's Holiday Gift Guide: Our Favorite Things in 2015

December 16, 2015

Looking for that perfect gift for your food lover? The editors at Foodista put together our list of essential items we simply can't do without. We actually own each of these items, so they are tried and tested and get our thumbs up. From essential cooking tools to cookbooks we can't put down, we're sure you'll find something on this list that will make someone very happy - no matter what age! Happy holidays from us to you.

Essential Cooking Tools and Gadgets

Sansaire Precision Cooker
Cooking sous vide (slow cooking in a water bath) will change your life! This virtually foolproof way of cooking is spectacular for entertaining or any night of the week. Meat and fish come out tender, moist and succulent every time. No more overcooked fish! No more dry chicken breasts! You'll be amazed at how good your food turns out. And how fun it is!

Baking Steel - The Ultimate Conductive Pizza Stone
If you love a good crisp crust on your pizza or simply love a searing hot surface to grill on, this is the item for you! This innovative baking steel is pre-seasoned, will never break (hello, it's steel!), and is easy to clean. We've made flawless pizza on it, taken it camping and used it on the fire to cook meats and veggies, baked bread on it, and more. And, it's also great for serving cold items as well! Just pop it in your freezer first. It's super versatile and well worth the $89 bucks!

baking steel

Belle Amitié Glass Teapot
I keep this lovely teapot filled with hot tea on my desk all day long. I use it with the warmer (below) so that your tea stays hot for hours. It's the perfect gift for any tea lover!

 

Aurora Glass Teapot Warmer
All you need is a tea light candle placed inside this warmer and your tea will stay nice and toasty for 2-3 hours.

Himalayan All Natural Crystal Salt Cooking Tile
Cook or serve on this beautiful Himalayan salt block. Take it from us, scallops cooked on top of one of these taste divine!

Darth Vader Waffle Maker
May the Force be with you. Especially at breakfast.

Reidel Pinot Noir Glasses (set of 2)
We're partial to Oregon Pinot Noirs and wouldn't think of drinking them in anything other than our Pinot Noir glasses from Reidel. If your wine lover prefers another style of wine, search for the appropriate Reidel glass. It truly makes a difference in taste!

6-Piece Silicone Baking Set - Spatulas, Spoons & Turner
Any cook or baker will love this colorful set of tools!

Zyliss Susi 3 Garlic Press "No Need To Peel" - Built in Cleaner - Crusher, Mincer and Peeler
We've used a lot of garlic presses in our day and this one is, hands down, the best!

If Money is No Object, Get Them This...

The Big Green Egg

Okay, we don't actually own one of these but our neighbor has one and we covet it big time. This grill-smoker-ultimate cooker is what every griller wants in his/her backyard.

Shun Ken Onion Chef Knife
We own numerous Shun knives and love each and every one. We especially love this unique chef knife.

Mauviel Copper Pot Set
Who wouldn't want a 10-piece copper cook set?!

 

Vitamix 780
It's not just for smoothies! We make soups and sauces in our Vitamix.

Cookbooks We Discovered This Year and Can't Put Down!

The Forest Feast: Simple Vegetarian Recipes from My Cabin in the Woods

Milk Bar Life

Lucky Peach Presents 101 Easy Asian Recipes

My Kitchen Year: 136 Recipes That Saved My Life by Ruth Reichl

Food52 Vegan: 60 Vegetable-Driven Recipes for Any Kitchen

Feast: Generous Vegetarian Meals for Any Eater and Any Appetite

A Boat, a Whale, & a Walrus

Rose Water and Orange Blossoms: Fresh & Classic Recipes from my Lebanese Kitchen

Mastering Sauces: The Home Cook's Guide to New Techniques for Fresh Flavors

The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science

The World's Healthiest Foods: The force for change to optimal health with health-promoting foods and nutrient-rich cooking

At Home in the Whole Foods Kitchen: Celebrating the Art of Eating Well

The Art of Simple Food: Notes, Lessons, and Recipes from a Delicious Revolution by Alice Waters

V Is for Vegetables: Inspired Recipes & Techniques for Home Cooks -- from Artichokes to Zucchini

And For the Little Kitchen Helpers and Aspiring Chefs!

Santa Kids Apron and Hat

Learning Resources Pretend & Play Rise and Shine Breakfast

Learning Resources Super Sorting Pie

Scientific Explorer My First Mind Blowing Science Kit

Cooking is science, so get your little ones (4 or older) off to a great scientific start with this fabulous activity book!

Editorial disclosure: this page contains associates links.

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